Iran threatens to stop World Cup games if faced with unauthorized flags or slogans

Iran has threatened to halt its World Cup matches if stadiums display unauthorized flags or if political chants are heard, according to Iranian media citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali. This warning follows criticism of the team's presence at the tournament and raises tensions ahead of their opening match against New Zealand on June 15.

Donyamali informed FIFA that the team manager would be responsible for stopping the match if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted. "We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt," he stated, according to Iranian media. Previously, Iran and Egypt's football associations had urged FIFA to prevent any LGBTQ+ Pride-related activities during their match, which was designated as a "Pride Match" by local organizers to coincide with Seattle's Pride weekend.

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We have informed FIFA that if unofficial flags are brought or slogans against the national team are chanted in the stadiums where Iran plays in the World Cup, the team manager will definitely be responsible for stopping the match.

Protesters had gathered outside the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April, calling for Iran's ban from the tournament, arguing the team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps rather than the Iranian people. The Iranian team is also grappling with organizational and logistical challenges. Iran's football federation reported that its ticket allocation was withdrawn days before the tournament, impacting supporters who had already made travel plans. The team, training in Tijuana, Mexico, will only be able to enter the US the day before each match, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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We have been assured that no disruptive incidents will occur in the stadium during the match against Egypt.